Apparatus for making same



May 15, 1923.

H. Z. COBB HOLLOW ARTICLE 0F RUBBER OR LIKE MATERIAL AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME Filed May 2, 1922 A 2 Sheets-Sheet l COBB Z. R OR L May 1-5, 1923.

IKE MATERIAL AND PROCESS AND ING SAME APPARATUS FOR MAK Filed May 2, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ODOQDOOIOIOGOO 0 mp Y Svwentoz, Henry Z, Ca, @5% hi@ @Mom/rm# T ZZ w 710m t may concern:

Patented May l5, 1923.

STATES lim'rsrrr g orifice. f

HENRY Z. CORR, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR '.'lOl THE MECHANICAL RUBBER COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

HOLLOW ARTICL OF RUBBER OR LIKE MATERIAL ANDVIPROCESS AND AEPARATUS FOR MAKING SAME. l

Application filed May 2,

Be it known that l', HENRY Z. Conn, a'citizen of the UnitedL States, residing` at New York, in the. county of New York and State of New York, have invented a certain new and use-ful Hollow Article of Rubber or Like Material and Frocess and Apparatus for Making' Same, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

of rubber or like material and the process and apparatus for makingthe same.v more particularly to hollow balls, such as tank balls and tennis balls, and the process and apparatus for making'them.

Many attempts have been made to make satisfactory tank balls of.r rubber or similar material,but yowing to thev conditions under which they are used great diiiiculty has been found, up to the present. time, in makinga tank ball which will successfully stand up under the hard usage to which it is put. The ball in use is constantly exposed to water, which tends to soften it, and the lower or. valve portion of the ball is desirablj7 made of a soft rubberfcompound in order that it may accurately seat on the outlet. When they ball yis withdrawn from its seat the suction of the water `places it underconsiderable strain and tends to elongate it, thereby deformingf it at its equatorial portion, which is the point iny the ball at which the joint `between the sections isusually made. `In an attempt to obviate` this deformation it has been proposed to make the lupper portion of the ball of a harder stock, or of soft stock with a reinforcement of harder rubber, but in this type of ball great difficulty has been encountered in obtaining a ,good joint between the different stocks, and the balls frequently break apart at the joint.l .In addition, a large number of'operations are required in making balls of this type, and the equipment is necessarily increased when using` different stocks. In another' type of ball both the upper and lower sections are made of soft stock and a metallic or other reinj forcementy is disposed in the interior of the li922. serial No. 557,924.

of the water.

Tennis balls and other playing balls are made in sections joined by a buttcd or short bevel joint at their equatorial por` tion. It is diiiicult to secure a good joint between the sections in this manner, owing; to the small area of contact, and in the case of abutted joint a bulge is formed on the interior which unbalances the ball. When a bevel joint is used kat the equatorial portion' pressure cannot be readily applied normal to the joint or on both sides thereof.

The present invention comprises briefly la ball formed throughout of the same soft stock, vulcanized to the same extent, the sections or segments of which are joined on a long overlapping,r joint under pressure, and in the rcase of a tank ball hav- .ing a reinforcement entirely imbedded in the wall of the ball; and it also comprises` the process and apparatus utilized in making the ball.

An object of my invention is to providel an improved all-soft rubber tank ball 'or similar article.

Another object is to provide a ball or other j hollow article of vulcanizable material which is not liable to open at the joint.

yStill another object is to provide a ball in which the sections are formed with relativelyextended joining surfaces so disposed that pressure may be readily applied in a plane normal to the jointv and from both sides thereof,

Still another object is to-providc an improved reinforcement for a soft rubber tank ball.

A further object is to provide an improved process and apparatus for econom- Cil proved process and apparatus for joining the sections of hollow articlessuch as tank balls, tennis balls and similar devices.

For a complete disclosure of the invention reference is had to the accompanying specification and drawings, in which latter:

F 1 represents in side elevation an apparatus for joining the sections or segments of my improved ball;

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2 2 oit' Fig.

,1, partly broken away.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of Fig. 1;

Fig. Ll is a section ot a completed tank ball; and

Fig. 5 is a section of a playing or tennis ball showing the application ot my invention.

The apparatus shown in the present embodiment. is adapted for use in making' tank balls and comprises means for joining` the sections including` a base 1 from which extends upwardly a hollow column to which latter is secured a tubular trame 3 b v means of the set screw ,-L. A top 5, provided with a central opening 6 is secured to the upper end of the trame 3, and depeiuling` from the top is a casing or lguard 7. Secured to the side: of the trame 3 is an upwardly extending bracket 8 provided at its upper end with the bearing sleeve 9 in which is reciprocable a rod 10. The upper end of the rod is pivotally connected to a lever 1l, which latter is pivotally mounted at 12 on a link 13 pivoted to the bracket 8 at 1li. A connectingl rod 15 is pivotally connected at one end to the other end of the lever 11. and at its lower end to an operating lever 1G pivotally mounted in the column 2 at 17, which lever 16 in the present instance is shown as tootoperated. Secured to the lower end ot the rod l0 is a holder 18 for one section or segment of the ball to be made. In the present embodimentthe apparatus is designed tor joining the sections ot a tank ball having a substantially conical upper part, and the re cess in the holder 18 is therefore 'formed ot a similar shape. At the upper end of the recess is a bore 19 into which is adapted to slightly project a spring-pressed detent 20, and above the detent a small ejecting plunger 21 is movable in the bore7 which plunger may be actuated by means of the opposed Fingers 22 extending through slots in the holder 18.

The holder 'for the other section or seg:- ment oit' the ballcomprises a cylinder or piston 24- mounted to reciprocate in a counter-bore 25 formed in the tubular frame 3, which piston is normally held in an upper position against the top 5 by the coil spring 26, and downward movement of the holder` is limited by the shoulder 2 at the bottoni of the counter-bore. The head of the holder or piston is formed with a recess 28 shaped to lit the ball section which it is designed to hold and at the bottom of the recess an opening 29 is formed in the head. rlChe wall ot the recess is provided with horizontally and vertically extending grooves 30 for a purpose to be later described. Fixedly mounted axially of the frame 3 is a column 31 to the upper end orn which is secured a collapsing device, formeel as a rounded head 32 ot rubber or similar material, by means of the screw 33. This screw 33 as shown in 3, is disposed at the bottom of a recess in the head 32, and a small duct 34C, leads downwardly through the screw 33 and column 31- to the interior ot the frame 3 for a purpose to be later described. The head 32 is ot such diameter that it may pass through the opening 29. Secured at intervals around the holder 2dare a series or" brackets 35, in the present instance three in number, extending through slots in the frame 3 each ot which carries an inclined bearing 37in which is movable a small plunger 38. Mounted in the upper end ot each plunger is a venting and centering needle 39 which in the present instance is shown solid and is made of' spring metal. Each needle is adapted to move in a guide groove 40 formed in t-he holder 24. and some distance back trom the tree end of each needle it is provided with an angular dr'bent portion 1-1, which is adapted to engage the bottom of the small groove 42'i'ormed at the edge of opening G in the top 5 for a purpose to be later described.` The lower end of each plunger 38 is pivotally connected to a sleeve 13 slidable on a rod lll carried by a lever 45 pivotally mounted in the trame 3 at d6. A bent link i7 is connected at its upper end to an intermediate point on the lever 45, while its lower end extends through a slot 48 in column 2 and is pivotally connected at 49 to a sleeve 50 pinned to a plunger rod 51. The upper end of the plunger rod is mounted in a bearing 52 and its lower end carries a plunger 53 having an enlarged hea-d 54e below which is disposed a washer` 55 of' suitable cushioning material. A coil spring 56 is disposed around the rod 51 between the bearing and the sleeve 50 and tends to move the plunger rod 5l and plunger 53 downwardly. The plunger' 53 is movable in a bearing member 5T which also acts as a stop when the washer 55 comes in contact tlierewith. A.. dog 58 is pivotally mounted in the lower end of the plunger 53 and carries at its lower end a cam roller 59. It will be seen from an inspection of Figs. 1 and 3 that this dog is free to move from the perpendicular in one direction, but movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the stop (30.

A cam G1 extends upwardly from the lever 1G and is provided with theinclin'ed cam surface 62 and dwell 63, over which the cam roller 59 is adapted toinove in the opera-v A stop 64: is also pro'-y vide an anchorage for the usual metal spud The lower section 67 ofthe ball is made y in the usual rounded form and' ofL thesame'y ysolt stock as the uppersection, and.' at its upper portion is yprovided with the relatively longinwardly and upwardly inclined eXtension 68. in which extension in the'pfresent in` stance is formed a groove adapted to receive a reinforcing ring-` 69 of metal or other suitable material.4 n tions are then partially cured to the same eX-r tent. and the ring- 69 inserted in its place in the lower section, while the small metal piece 70, shown in Fig. '3.l is temporarily secured in the spud 66 yoit the upper section. The meeting; edges of the sections are cemented, and the upperl section is inserted vin the holder 1S with the metal piece 70' disposed in the borej19 where it is yirictionally engaged by the detent 20,'to hold ythe section 65 in place in theholder.k The lower section f 67 is placed in the recess 28 and a small pill 1 of avolatile gas-producing compound inserted in the lower'section. The operator then presses down on the lever 16', causing the holder 181'to` move downwardly toward the holder 24:. At ythe same time the cam roller moves up on the inclined' surface 62 oi cam 61, causin,9 the venting and cen` teringneedles 39 to be moved inwardly and upwardly', but it will. be noted from Fig. l that the ventingfdevices 39 are inclined upwardly somewhat away romthe surface of the extension 68 on the lower 4ball section. Shortly before the roller 59 reachesv the upper end ot the incline 6 2 the 'angled portions l1 'of the venting devices contact with the bottoms ofthe respective grooves 4t2 in the top 5, causing the tree ends of the venting` and centering' devices 39 to be pressed down? wardly against the surface of the extension 68 on thelower ball section. and if :tor any reason the lowerkball section has not been properly centered by the operator the presf sure ot the venting' and centering devices 39 will properly align it with the upper section.`

Just after the roller59 passes onto the fdwell 63 the upper holder18 comes in contact with lower ball sections, except at the points where the sections Lare kept slightly spaced b the ventina` andk centerinof devices 39. lnk

the `further movement of tlie'roller 59 across The upper and lower sec-` the dwell 63 the venting devices 39 remain stationary as far as axial movement is concerned, but the holder 18 1n its continued Vdownward movement carries the holder4 24 and associated parts with it vagainst the pressure of the spring 26, the sleeves 4:3 sliding on the rodsA-I at this time. Downward movement of the lower portion of the lower ball section 67 is prevented, however, as this portion rests upon the stationary head or collapsing'y device 32, and as a result of the continued downward movement of the remainderA of vthe ball the lower ball section is kcollapsed within the upper one substantially 'l as shown in Fig. 3. Shortly after the parts have reached a position about as shown in Fig. 3 the cam roller 59 passesof the dwell the dog 58 rocks on its piyot, and the pressure of the spring 56 causes the venting devices 39. tof'be withdrawn from the ball.A

During the remaining downward movement of the parts the ball is still further collapsed, until the holder 24 reaches the stop shoulder 27. As a result'the collapsed por- `tion of the wlall .of the lower section is pressedjirmly against Vthe overlapping oint between thek two sections to thoroughly compact and unitethe meeting; edge portions of the sections.` foot ylever 16 in its extreme lower position for a shortpinterval in orderto allow the their original positions. The pressureoii the detent 20.011 the metal part of shank 70 is so slight that when the holder 18 is moved upwardly again the united ball tends to drop ballv and obviatethe dilhculty.' The yvertical and horizontal grooves 30 in the seat 28 also allow entrance of air beneath the ball and prevent sticking byreason of suction. The collapsed ball is then'placed. in a final curing;r mold and as soon as the vulcanizing heat kis applied the volatilization ofthe pill 7i causes'v the ball to assume its normal shape and presses the ball against the mold in the usual manner during the vuleanizing opera` tion. 4After vulcanization the ball is provided with the usual opening 72 in the bottorn.y y

The operator maintains the The centering 'and venting devices or needlesI 39 may be made hollow, il desired, but in practice it has been found that the needles will separate the two ball sections suiliciently to allow escape or venting of the air in the ball while it is being collapsed, ln the present embodiment three Such venting needles have been shown, but it is evident that the number may be varied, it desired, and it had been found in practice that one oit' them is suilicient to vent the ball but in this case, however, the needle cannot, ot' course, be used lor centering the lower section in its holder. lit is obvious that the invention is not limited in its application=to the specilic :torm oi" tank ball shown, and that by varying the shape of the holders various styles ot tank balls, tennis ba-lls,etc., may be united in accordance with the process. ln the making of other articles than tank balls, such as ordinary playing balls, the reinforcing ring 69 w'll, of course, be dispenseil with, and if desired the sections may also be l'ully cured bet'ore joining, and self-curing cement used in joining the sections. ln the present tank ball embodiment the reinforcing ring G9 has been shown as disposed at the joint, for convenience in assembling. Ilt may, however, be enclosed in either section, as by moldingv or otherwise, prior to the joining operation, the only essential being that it be disposed suiliciently near the equatorial portion olf the finished ball to prevent distortion at that point when V in use. 'li-Viren melting balls or articles other than tank balls, a small rubber stem may be formed at the top of the upper section for engagement by the detent 2O of the upper holder 1,8 during the section joining operation, which stem may be lat-er cut oil, or the upper section may be retained in the holder any other suitable manner. ln Fig. is shown a playing or tennis ball having a small segncnt'or section 73 with a stem 74:, and large segment or section 75, the two segments being united by an extended overlapping joint "i6, By this construction the ball is balanced at all points and a strong joint provided to withstand the severe usage to. which the ball is subjected.

- lt' will be seen that by my invention a ball has been produced in which the sections are of the same rubber stock cured to the saine extent, and that the sections are oined on a relatively extended area under a relatively heavy pressure normal to the joint. thereby producing a ball which is practically proof against separation at the joint when in use. liloreovenin the tank ball, the reinforcing ring 59 provides a means for preventing distortion of the equatorial portion of the ball when in use, and its iormis such that the reinforcement can be cheaply and easily applied and is wholly enclosed withinV the material ot the wall of the ball, thereby preventing any corrosion due to the action of the water and obviating the necessity of any securing means for the ring. lt will also be seen that by myinvention the ball is formed entirely of the same rubber stock, thereby reducing the materials, the number of operations, and the equipment required for manufacturing the ball.

Having thus described my what l claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is 1. ln a machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles of vulcanizable material, means for joining the sections, and means coacting therewith to collapse one section under pressure against the joint to thereby compact the latter.

y2. ln a machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles of vulcanizablematerial, means for joining the sections and collapsing one section against the joint under pressure, and means for venting the article while collapsing said section.

ln a machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles of vulcanizable material, mea-ns `for joining the sections, means coacting therewith to collapse one section under pressure against the joint to thereby compact the latter, and means for venting the article while collapsing said section.

el. ln a machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles olf vulcanizable material, relatively movable meansv fory supporting and joining the sections, and means relatively movable with respect to said first means for collapsing one section against the joint to thereby firmly unite the sections at all of hollow articles of vulcanizable material,

opposed means for holding the sections in alignment, means for relatively mbving said first means to press the sections together at their edge portions and collapse one of them into the other, and means for temporarily maintaining a portion of the edges separated, whereby entrapped air ymay escape.

6. ln a machine Jfor joining the sections of hollow articles ot vulcanizable material, means tor uniting the sections at their edge portions and collapsing one of them into the other, and means for temporarily maintaining a portion of the edges separated, whereby entrapped air may escape.

7. ln a machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles ot yulcanizable material, means for joining the sections and collapsing one section against the joint under pressure, and means for inserting a venting means between the sections prior to the collapsing and withdrawing the same prior to its completion.

8. 1n a machine for joining the sections of hollow articles of vulcanizable material, means for successively joining .the edge porl invention, l

9. In a machine for the other, withdrawing said spacing means,`

and maintaining edges. p

10. lna machine for joiningthe'sections o'l hollow articles ojlj vulcanizable inateriah means for centering` and holding one section, means for loosely holding'a second section, ine'ans for relatively' moving the sections to join them at their edges, and means'actua'ted by said lastineans ier centcringsaid second section prior to the joining of the sections.

11. In a machine for joining the sections ot yhollow articles of vulcanizable material, means for centering and holding one section, means tor loosely rholdingasecond section, means iorrelativelymoving the sections to join them at their edges, normally inoperative centering means disposed adjacent the pressure on said meeting sections, and means operable by the 'section joining means for `moving said Acentering means into contact `withthe edge of the sec,- ond section to center the same andior'withdrawingpsaid centering means citer the sec tions are'joi'ned. y

'12. In `ra machine for joining the sections of hollow articles 'of vulcanizable material, movable mea-iistor supportingone section, means for supporting' a 'second section with its edge in overlapping alignment with the edge ci the first section, saidlast means 'inAvcluding a I'iXed centraly part and amovable outer part, and means for successively moving saidiirst supporting means into contact with theouter 'movable part of the second supporting means and then moving` both of them relatively to said tixed'partk,

18. llna lmachine;tor joiningythe sections oi'hollow articles of vulcanizable material, means for holdingy the sections in spaced relation with their edges inl position to loverlap, means for relatively moving the holdingV means to joinfthe sections and collapse 'one Vsection against the joint under lpressure,"and means for interposing 'venting meansjbe-y tween the sections prior to'joining them and withdrawing the` venting means` prior Vto completing theicollapsing movement.

1li. ln a machine for joining the sections j of vulcaniaable material, andcentering one section,

of hollow articles means for holding joining?,- lthe sections of hollow varticles of vulcanizable material,

' said devices prior to the means for loosely receiving a second section,

means for relatively moving said first two means to join the sections and collapse one ksection againstthe oint under pressure, and means for interposing a venting means be-v tween the sections in position to center the second section priork to joining the sections and for ithdrawing` said venting means prior to the ycomjilction of the collapsing.

j movement.

l5. ln a machine for uniting the sections or" hollow articles of vulcanizable material, a movableholder for one section, a movable holder for the other section, a collapsing device, and means for iirst relatively moving they holders to bring them into contact and' join the sections kand then relatively moving theholders and collapsing` device to collapse the wall of the articlel against the joint under pressure.

. 16. In ya machine for uniting the sections of hollow articles of vulcanizable material, a movable holder for centering one section, a movable holder for loosely retaining a second section, a collapsingdevice, actuating` means for first relatively moving the holders to bring them into contact and join the edge portions ci the sections and then relatively moving the holders and collapsing device tocollapse the wall of the article against the joint under pressure, and a yseries of venting devices first movable by said actuating means across the edge of said second section to center the same prior to joining the sections and then movable to inoperativer position prior to the completion of the collapsing movement.r

17. In a machine for unitine the sections ot hollowy articles of vulcanizable material, means for joining the edge portions of the sections including spaced holders for the sections, a series of venting and centering devices adjacent. one of the holders, means 'ttor moving` said devices across the edge ,portion oi' one section, means ior moving said devices into contact with the edge portionduring saidfirst movement, means tor moving the holders to join the sections, means for 'collapsing one section against the joint under pressure, and means 'for withdrawing` completion of the collapsing movement.

lSLflhe process oi making hollow balls and similar articles of vulcanizable material which consists in forming complementary sections with overlapping wall portions, 'cementing and bringing together the overlapping vportions,cand iirmly uniting said portions by pressure on both sides thereof and substantially normal to thewjoint. j

,19. The process oi making liollowballs' vand similararticles of vulcanizable material which consists in Yforming complementary ysections vof the same "stoc'in Jartivv cnrino` u 2J long overlapping joint with cement and under pressure substantially normal to the joint, and iinally curing the article.

20.' The process or" making hollow rubber balls and similar yarticles which comprises forming small and large segments with tapered and extended joining edges, uniting the segments by cementing and overlapping the edges under pressure, and iinishing the ball. y

2l. The process of making hollow rubber balls and similar articles which comprises forming small and large segments with tapered and extended joining edges, cementing the edges, joining the segments by overlapping the edge oi" the small segment on that ot the large one and pressing them together, and finishing the ball.

22. The process or' making hollow balls and similar articles of vulcaniaable ymaterial which consists in forming complementary sections with overlapping wall portions, partially curing the same, cementing and bringing together the overlapping` portions and joining them by mechanical pressure on the inner and outer sides of the wall at the joint, and iinally curing.

`23. The process ot making hollow balls and similar articles oiE vulcanizable material which consists in forming complementary sections ot the same stock and provided with wall portions adapted to overlap, partially curing the sections to the same extent, j oin ing the overlapping portions by cement and under pressure on each side oi the wall substantially normal to the joint, and iinally curing.

24. The process of making hollow balls and` similar articles of vulcanizable material which consists in forming complementary sections with overlapping wall portions, partially curing the same, cementing and bringing together the overlapping portions, withdrawing. air by collapsing one section within the other over the overlapped portions, coinpacting the joint b f direct pressure on one side thereof anc indirect pressure through the collapsed section wall on the other side, and curing.

25. The process of making hollow balls and similar articles oiI vulcanizable material which consists in forming two complemen tary sections with wall portions adapted to overlap, cementing and bringing together the overlapping portions, collapsing one section into the other and firmly uniting said portions by pressure while venting the a1'- ticle at a point in the joint, continuing said pressure throughout the joint after venting, and subsequently expanding the article to its normal form again.

26. The process of making hollow balls and similar articles of vulcanizable material which consists in forming complementafy sections with overlapping wall portions, cementing and bringing together the overlapping portions, temporarily maintaining a small area. ot' said portions spaced apart while collapsing one section into the other and over said portions, pressing` said portions lirinly together `at all points, and subsequently expanding the article to its normal form again.

27. The process of making tank balls which comprises forming two ball sections orP the same vulcanizable stock and with extended complementary joining surfaces, partially curing the sections to the same extent, cementing their joining surfaces, disposing a reinforcing ring adjacent one of said surfaces, joining the sections along said surfaces under pressure and curing the ball.

28. The process of making tank balls which comprises `forming a seating section and a supporting section of vulcanizable stock and with overlapping joining portions, cementing and bringing together said joining portions'with the interposition of a reinforcing ring, firmly uniting said portions by pressure substantially normal to the joint, and finishing the ball.

29. The process of making tank `balls which comprises forming a seating section and a supporting section of the same`vul canizable stock and with overlapping joining portions, partly curing the sections to the same extent, cementing and bringing together said joining portions with the interposition of a reinforcing ring, lirmly uniting said portions by pressure, and curingand finishing the ball.

30. The process of making tank balls which comprises forming a seating section and -a supporting section oi the saine vulcanizable stock and with overlapping joining portions, `partly curing the` sections to the same extent, cementing and bringing together said joining portionsjwith the interposition of a. reinforcing ring, collapsing said seating section into the other while venting the ball between said joining portions, firmly uniting said portions at4 all points by pressing said collapsed section against said overlapping portions, expanding and curing the ball, and finishing it.

3l. A hollow rubber ball comprising small and largesegments united by an extended overlapping joint.

32. A hollow rubber ball comprising small and large segments of the same sott stock cured to the same degree and united by an extended overlapping joint, the smaller segment Overlapping the large one.

33. A tank ball having seating and supporting portions of the same vulcanizable stock and united by a relatively long overlapping joint, and a reinforcing ring imbedded in the wall of the ball adjacent the joint.

34:. A tank ball having a lower rounded seating section of soft cured stock provided with an upwardly and inwardly inclined eX- tension, an upper section of the same stock overlapping said extension and integrally united thereto by vulcanization, and a reinforcing ring` imbedded in the wall of the ball. l

35. A tank ball having a lower rounded' tively long inwardly and upwardly inclined extension, an upper thickened section 01"' the saine stock provided with a. tapered lower portion overlapping and integrally united 15'v State of New Jersey, this 27 day of April, 2o

HENRY Z. COBB. 

